387.0 - 3.86 miles - Just Around the River Bend

I look once more,

Just around the river bend!

And that's what I did today - look around the river bend. Kinda.

See - I went out for a run today - and had several firsts. 

1) First time I took a different turn than planned to see where it would lead me. And thinking it might add an extra .33 miles or something, found out it added an extra MILE. But I finished it. And under pace. Mostly speed walking today though. 14:50 pace, roughly.

2) First time I used my new water belt. Amphipod - one bottle with water - the other with water and a "nuun" tablet (electrolyte) - trying to keep hydrated and to keep myself getting prepared for my longer runs.

3) First time I tried an energy gel. Specifically "GU" vanilla bean w/ caffeine. Tasty, but the texture...wow...how do I describe the texture. Raw egg white, perhaps? There are more comparisons - but they're gross.

So basically - I'm working my way towards gearing up for a long distance run. Here's the fun part. I have so many different "local" road loops here in my neighborhood now, that I can easily string together 6-8 miles. Find 2 more, and that's my 10 (which is the longest run I'll do while training with the Bingham plan). And it's outside, with varied terrain - lots of little hills, a few big ones. 

And hey - I'm down another 1.8 pounds!

Next month - I think Chris and I are going to have a little race. Mileage challenge! Loser donates to the dream team fund. I'm thinkin' $50. Chris - your thoughts?

Everything seems to be going in the right direction for once! And who knows what awaits me just around the river bend! Oh wait! I know - it's MAIN STREET!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

You're the best - around!

Nothing's gonna ever keep ya down!

You're the best - in town!

Nothing's gonna ever keep ya down!

How about 2.79 miles in 36:50? And a beautiful area too - did you know there's a lake right by my house?Yeah - Lake Serene! What a nice path. Have to incorporate it into longer runs. I'm learning the paths around my house, and where all the hills are, etc, so I can make nice circuitous routes around for my longer runs.

But you must understand - that just before the last .75 miles, I developed a nasty side stitch.

And then two songs hit the iPhone."Gonna Fly Now"

and
"You're the Best"

I ran - jumped - pumped my arms - felt like I could conquer the world.

C'mon - you know the scene in Karate Kid - the tournament? Where Daniel is taking on all comers and taking them down one at a time? The Cobra Kais are falling hard and fast?

Or when Rocky hits the top of the steps?

THAT is how I feel right now.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On Inspiration

This morning I did something I wasn't sure I'd be able to do - but I tried and succeeded.

I ran further outside than ever before.

2.84 miles in 40 minutes flat. Roughly a 14 minute mile pace.

Now let's be clear. I only "ran" about 15 minutes of 40. The rest were speed walking, and the occassional "jog" - but it counts - it's below race pace, and I'm fine with that for now.

And it wasn't so bad, considering the monster hill I climbed to get home. LOL

But there were moments my legs felt like jelly and I thought I should pack it in and go home.

And then a new song would come on the iPod. Something like "Star Wars Disco" or the Magic Kingdom "Welcome Medley"....and a new burst of speed and power would erupt.

And it occurred to me - there are different things that inspire us all to go further, push harder, do more.

Things that inspire me?

Music.
Helping others.
The chance to inspire others.
The chance to succeed.
Smiling faces.

Simple, I know. But they all work.

Oh yeah - and you, dear reader.

You, who are a team voice member, or a blog reader, or a commenter, or just a lurker. YOU inspire me.

You keep me writing every morning - baring my soul to you so that you know I'm here - doing it all for me....and for you.....and for us. So we can have richer lives.

So thank you for being my inspiration.

What inspires you?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Lessons from the Professor

Yesterday he was over at the Snowy Tundra - and today he visits the Voice.

Because this morning, I learned from the wonderful Professor Ludvig von Drake!

Shall we hear from him directly about what I've learned?

"Ah...velcome. You see - today, Jonathan vas going to be training with Christina at his gymnasium, and have a great workout! But he forgot a few important things!

1. ALWAYS eat before your workout at the gym.

2. ALWAYS bring water with you.

3. Avoid having a heavy beef dinner before a gym workout."
Thank you professor! See - I woke up with stomach cramps. More than usual after a beef dinner (side note: the WW Swiss Steak recipe ROCKS). And then I forgot to eat and left my water in the car.

Needless to say - the first 30 minutes of my workout with Christina went well. We did jumping jacks - leg curls - shoulder press - planks - and then....squats.

And I got VERY naseous.
So we sat on the floor and discussed nutrition and planning my meals for the January trip. Lots of feedback and I'm glad we had the chance to chat. More on this in a future post.

But the basic point to take away from today is this - well - there are two really:

1) Even if you've learned something before - occasionally forgetting and getting a reminder is a good thing.
2) Make sure you prepare for your workouts - or you'll be on the floor turning lavender blue dilly dilly dilly dilly.....silly.

Also - my sincere thanks to Jeff W at the Tundry and Chris at Blog'n Right Along for their posts yesterday - you guys rock! 

And hey - since we're mentioning friends - how about a MOUSEKATEER ROLL CALL today? If you're reading this - POST A COMMENT - say hi. Even if it's just a word or two - tell us you're out there!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On Progress II

Didn't I just elaborate on progress last Tuesday?

But I feel the need to discuss it again today.

You see - there are times when I say I'm going to do something, for instance, run outside tomorrow, and I don't. I usually do something...and rarely do nothing. But sometimes I don't hit my goal exactly right. Like yesterday I said I'd be outside...and wasn't. Partially it was the rain. Partially it was the fact that we didn't get the laundry totally done and I had no running shorts. *blush*

But I still went and did 2.01 miles in 30 minutes.

Do you remember LAST May?

I do.

I was doing an average of 18min pace - and shocked that I could do 1.4 miles in 25 minutes.

I weighed about fifty pounds more than I do now.

I've lost an average of one pound a week for a year. I've increased my speed and stamina significantly.

And overall - I feel great. Better than I have in a long while.

But please don't misunderstand that success. Every step is still a struggle for me. Every day I fight my urges to drop into a Sara Lee box and never come out. But it gets easier. I no longer want to stop exercising moments after I start. I'm now going outside and have increased my average pace to around 14.5 minutes. I'm doing 30 minutes minimum most days - and sometimes more.

I plan on using June to work on longer runs - pushing my weekend workouts to 60 minutes plus.

Jeff, over at Snowy Tundra, today posted an interesting article that really calls into focus the progress I've made.

And it's staggering to me. Stunning.

I'm amazed that this is me. But it is.

Now - don't get me wrong - I'm not coming down on anyone for making comments on the blog - and I don't want anyone to stop - please do not stop. I know that every single comment, positive and negative, comes from the hearts of all of you, my friends. Sometimes, the negative ones get me riled up, but this isn't that. I promise. If you guys didn't care - you wouldn't comment at all - and just the fact that you care - is enough to keep me going.

I just wanted to remind us all that we've all started a journey at different places, and we are all fairly far along the road to health and fitness. Some of us still have a ways to go - but we keep on moving forward.

And that, dear friends, is the definition of progress.

Here's the plan: today - rest; tomorrow - Christina; thursday - 30; friday - 45; Saturday - 60. I'm going to try to make at least one of those runs outside, weather permitting.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

288.8

(May 18th, 2004, around 1:15pm)

(May 18th, 2004, around 7pm)

Good morning my friends - and happy Monday!

First - an update on yesterday - I never went back and re-posted, but I did go right into the exercise room and do 30 minutes, as promised. :) No extra sleeping, and no slacking.

Rae has indicated I've seemed a little off - which is odd to me - I think I've had a great May so far. The weight is going down (see above), albeit slowly, the speed and distance is going up (see to your right). I've had a few stranger days, but on the whole - May is shaping up great. And I even lost weight this week with a celebration dinner over the weekend of some WONDERFUL Phad Thai!

What was I celebrating?

An anniversary and a birthday. Both mine.

Now wait - I know what you're saying - "Your anniversary is in March, and your birthday is in April!"

And you're right....sorta.

See - May 18th is the day I was sworn in as a lawyer, four years ago.

So it's my birthday as a lawyer. :)

And to celebrate that night, I asked a friend of mine out to dinner. We went down to the beach, ate and watched the sunset, acted silly, and shared a kiss on a tree stump.

I think I fell in love with Amber that night on that tree stump.

So May 18th was ALSO our "date-aversarry". If there is such a thing.

But since we say there is - there is. :)

And despite celebrating with a movie (popcorn and Narnia! YUM!) and Phad Thai - I'm still down a half pound - and am up more mileage - and feel GREAT.

I'm really excited about July 7th coming up - can't wait to start my official training program!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On Sleep

It's an amazing thing the body needs. And we all need it. Roughly 8 hours a night.

I usually get between 6-8. Sometimes 9.

Last night I got two.

And I was awake from 2:00am until roughly 6:00am when I crawled back into bed and finally, exhausted, slept. I just couldn't sleep. So I sat at the computer. I dithered. I dillied. I even dallied a bit.

It's also been brutally hot here. It was over 90 degrees yesterday. Heat we usually reserve for August. And today looks to be no better.

Last night was sweaty and icky.

This morning is muggy and nasty.

And it's 9:30 already.

Therefore, I am abandoning my plan to do a run outside this morning, given how miserable it already is.

But what I will do, is drag my sleepy body into the exercise room, and do 30 minutes on the treadmill this morning. Because I said I would.

Granted - I said I'd do 45 - but I'm willing to give myself a pass this morning.

And tonight, I'll sleep well.

Tomorrow morning I'll do 30 minimum outside.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On Speed

It's not the speed of the race you complete, but rather the fact that you completed it.

Right?

And yet - why does it feel good to complete a 2.19 mile workout with under a 14 minute pace?

Why does it feel so good to be increasing ones speed and pace?

Because, my friends, it means we're improving.

It also means we enjoy what we're doing.

We enjoy seeing the changes in ourselves. We enjoy the whole shebang.

All of it.

And yes - I'm enjoying myself.

How weird of a feeling is that?

I'm enjoying getting fit.

And running. Well...jogging, really.

But still - MOVING. OUTSIDE.

ME! Video game boy!

Wow.

Speed translates from outside to in. I'm faster to get up. Faster to move my body around.

And faster to believe that I'll make it to main street.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On Change...

(Get it? Cuz it's an attraction that's CHANGED....see? It fits!)

Sometimes change is scary.

For instance - when I announced that I'd be training for the 2009 half-marathon, I did it in such a public way that my life changed immediately. Granted it changed for the better overall - but at the beginning I was riddled with fear. Fear of failure. Fear of SUCCESS. Fear of YOU all judging and watching and expecting and counting on me. And what if I let you down?

What if I tried my hardest and just....couldn't?
But as time's gone by, those feelings have changed mostly into confidence and personal challenges. Now it's not can I, but rather how can I...better?

Other times change is necessary.
For instance - today I was supposed to do 30 minutes. But between a sleepless night worrying about possibly the most important court room hearing of my career thus-far (the sentencing of the client who had the huge trial back in March), and a slight soreness in my quads, I limited myself to 13 minutes and .758 miles.

Essentially a quick warm-up to get the blood flowing to the legs and muscles.
But change is also good, even in these circumstances. We must be ready to change our plans at a moment's notice if we have to - whether it's today because of soreness and tiredness, tomorrow because the weather is BEAUTIFUL and I just have to go outside, or on January 10th, because someone drops a sweatshirt right in my path.

And so I will change this week's layout, and simply move my 30 minutes to tomorrow, and do 45 on Sunday. Then regroup for next week. See that? My change added a workout!

The fact is, my friends, we all change things daily to adjust. And it's not what we don't do because of adversity that really counts...

It's what we change and then do in spite of adversity.

What changes, positive or negative, have you gone through lately?
Meow!!!!

Yes, Sam. I know we've changed your litter box in preparation for the construction people...but just don't....ya know....change and GO on the floor! Thanks!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On Rest Days

We all need them.

We all deserve them.

This is mine.

When's yours? :)

Meow!

I know, Sam. You're always resting. But do you have to rub it in? Sheesh!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On Earning It...

I've been accused of getting "preachy" lately...

It's not my intention. In fact, my intention is only to help folks think, and to add my own experiences to the mix.

So today - let's talk about how to "earn" your success.

Or rather - how NOT to earn it.
You see - this week, I've struggled hard to get in my exercise, and in that vein, have earned the right to be proud of myself. I'll brag to Christina when I see her shortly.

BUT I have also had a few slip ups with food, namely yesterday, a powerbar stop that was unscheduled, and an extra snack during Dancing with the Stars. (Don't you really want Christian to win?)
And in that vein, I said last night I wasn't earning it. I wasn't earning my props/rewards.

But that's not entirely true.

I mean - c'mon. I didn't have a doughnut. I didn't have McDonalds. I didn't go overboard. I was hungry, and in a place where I could conveniently get a relatively healthy snack. I didn't plan for it, so that's a little off kilter, but how bad was it really?

Now - no rationalizations here - this is NOT a habit. BUT. Remember that each and every day that you get up, and focus on your goals and dreams - you are absolutely earning the right to keep moving forward. And as we know, that's what it's all about.

So - stand strong in the face of your own adversity - and remember that you are not the person you used to be.

Editor's Note: I just returned from my workout with Christina. We decided, after measurements (although I'm down bodyweight, my bodyfat is up .1 pounds, and my lean muscle is down a pound) and discussing food, to look at my future training plan. I also asked Christina what "stride" workouts were, as they're required in the plan. She read it, and I think we did them wrong...but we did essentially 21 minutes of interval training on a random hill course on the treadmill...with speeds up to 8.0mph (sustained for 30s to 1 minute). HOLY CATS!!! Best quote for today:

"Are you sure you don't want to do another five minutes or so at 7 or 8? I'm really enjoying this! You're like watching my hamster! Did I mention I killed my hamster?"

LOL YIKES!

Oh yeah - and for joggerblogger - here's the Sam. Sam - welcome to the blog!
Meow!

Which is kittyspeak for:

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

On Progress

How do you define progress?

How do I define progress?

Well - progress is taking steps in the right direction. It's in losing weight, slowly and healthily (although we all want it gone RIGHT NOW). It's in increasing time and pace, slowly and carefully (although I'd rather be running at 6.0mph today - it's likely a year away).

Progress is in putting a 30 minute jog back to back with a 45 minute speed walk and not feeling like complaining about it, knowing full well that I see Christina tomorrow and do measurements.

Progress is about measurements. Waist. Chest. Arms. Legs. Etc.

Body fat.

We'll know more about that on Thursday (after Christina measures me).

Progress, my friends, is getting up every day and saying "This is what I've chosen to do with my life today. This is how I will begin." And then doing it.

And that's where I'm at. DOING IT.

Are you doing it today?

Are you progressing? Even just a little bit?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

289.3 (30 minutes - 2.06 miles) - On Dreams

Things are back on schedule today - I'm down a pound, and feel great after a good jog this morning.

So then today I wanted to talk a little bit about something we all share: Dreams.

No - not what we sit up and think about late at night and wish for...

What our minds wish for when we finally succumb to sleep. Although they are often one in the same.

Dreams are powerful predictors of what you feel, need, want, and lack. Dreams can be fun, happy, scary, or even hazy. Dreams are those things wherein the universe can send you a direct message to tell you if you're on the right track or not.

Sometimes you dream of silly things...like a giraffe on a bicycle.

And other times you dream of your future.

Like seeing yourself turning a corner in a race you've yet to run, feet pounding on the pavement, and catching sight of your mousewife cheering you on as your eyes focus ahead of you on Cinderella's Castle in the distance, getting closer with every step.

Now that's a dream.

What do YOU dream about?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Weekend Training Woes

(Pleas note - this picture has nothing to do with this post - I just like it - with the backlighting and all - I took it at Mousefest. Isn't it great?!)

Alright - not woes, per se.

The plan was to do 30 minutes yesterday and today. You can see I haven't logged anything.

Things have been CRAZY at the AATM Studios West this weekend.

Did I tell you our condo development is undergoing massive reconstruction? That they've just gotten to our building? That we're losing access to the master bathroom for 5-10 weeks?

Yup.

Add to that having to clear our deck and storage unit, buy a new TV and have it delivered and installed when the old one broke (granted - the new one ROCKS), have a shower door installed to complete our second bathroom so we can use it, find a new smaller litter box for Sam, move it, hide it, and do about a gazillion other projects. And oh yeah - it's been raining. Hard.

But here's the good news.

I haven't given myself a free pass on food.

I've given myself a weekend off from running, but keeping up with the diet. This is a good thing, and will likely show good things tomorrow.

And since I still need a minimum of 12 days of 30 minutes left to complete the May challenge, and I plan on upping the stakes a bit. I'll set WEEKLY challenges.

So - for the week of May 12th - here are the challenges:

Monday - 45 minutes on the treadmill.
Tuesday - 30 minutes (weather permitting) outside - if not on the treadmill.
Wednesday - workout with Christina.
Thursday - off.
Friday - 45 minutes on the treadmill.
Saturday - 30 minutes (weather permitting) outside - if not on the treadmill.
Sunday - off.

Not bad eh?

July 7th is not far away - so I have to kick the game into high gear here folks! It's go time!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

30 minutes - 1.857 miles

I almost didn't do it.

My abs and quads are SO sore today. Christina loves making me do squats and core exercises so much...

I almost didn't do it.

But then - I did it.

I started saying I'd do about 10 minutes to loosen up and do a full 30 tomorrow.

I said I'd just warm up.

But then I realized that I HAD to do 30 minutes. Minimum.

So I slowed my pace a little.

And went the distance.

A minor victory - but one nonetheless.

I'm proud of me today.

Are you proud of YOU?

As for the Marathon trip - the plans are still being made - I'm not revealing any details until we have them set...so stay tuned!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

The Best Laid Plans

So the plan was to get up at 6am this morning and do a run.

I just woke up at 7:10. Frankly - I don't know if I could run this morning anyhow. Christina REALLY worked me hard yesterday - my abs are so tight - and my butt and legs are so sore. A rest day may be just what the doctor ordered.

So then tomorrow we'll do a run. No worries.

Speaking of the best laid plans - I'm going to really focus this week, and the rest of the month, on my food intake. Vegas wasn't so bad, but when we came home and had Ayla, well - the cupboard was bare, and we just didn't go shopping because we had Ayla.

So things got a little dicey.

But now we've been to the store, and things are going back to normal.

And here's some great news: I'm in the process of getting together a booking for my Marathon trip! We should be booked by the end of the month! YAY!

Are you booked yet? Where are you staying? What are your dates?

Is it weird that I'm REALLY excited about this? That I'm just generally excited about running and exercising and working out?

Who have I become?!?!

Don't get me wrong - I like him - I'm just still getting to know him. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Vegas Wrap Up

Good morning my friends!!

So here's the nitty gritty on Vegas. We arrived EARLY in the morning on Thursday - and got a room right away. As invited guests of the "TI" (formerly Treasure Island) we had a nice deal waiting for us. Little did we know it was right above construction. We were quickly moved to a less noisy room.
Thursday was a day filled with fun and games. We played slots, tables, and generally got our butts kicked. We ate at the hotel coffee shop for most meals - they had a decent selection of salads and sandwiches as well as entrees, and a GREAT French Onion Soup. :)

Thursday night we saw "Love". Wow is all I can say. Definitely NOT my favorite Cirque show - but an experience to be sure. If you're a Beatles fan, you'll adore it. But it's more music and interpretive dance than it is Cirque. I would have liked it a little more "Cirque-ish".
Friday I ran the strip from TI to the Bellagio and back. I shouldn't say "ran" - it was more of a speed walk/jog at times. But it was 30:30 and just over 2 miles. So not bad.
Friday evening the bride and groom arrived, and we split up to celebrate the night before the wedding, but not before getting into the most frightening cab ride of our lives. Careening down closed side streets with clearly posted "no entry" signs, our driver exclaimed "I don't read English!"

The day of the wedding began with a nice breakfast with my good friend Tairy Rich, who lives in Vegas, and her son, who was just a really cute kid. Then it was off to the wedding.
A beautiful, albeit small, service. I was proud to be a part of it!

And Saturday night we decided to finish out our gambling, but went on a hot streak - and managed to make some cash back! All in all, when we checked out on Sunday, the TI had picked up our room, one buffet, and given us an additional $50 off the bill for our play. We'll definitely be invited back. Not bad.

Then home - and the best part of all? We have AYLA until tonight! YAY!!! Isn't she adorable?

Wonder how long it'll be before I can get HER to say "abso-oot-ee"....

Tomorrow I'm in the gym with Christina! Another run for Thursday/Saturday/Sunday - that'll make five overall so far this month. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

290.3 - Little Red

Good morning friends! I have survived Sin City - and even returned with some cash in pocket. :) How nice is THAT?

I've posted a small gain for being on vacation, but now there's nothing in my way until my July trip to Boston! The time has come to really buckle down and see what I can do. If my math is right, I have until Amber's birthday on July 7th to get ready for my 28 week Half-Marathon training plan, from "Marathoning for Mortals" - that's a little over TWO months to push harder and harder. I think I can push past the 95 lb lost mark by then. Maybe even 100 - but let's not get too crazy.

So - today I'd like to ask you to check out a podcast you may or may not already know about. Our good friend Tairy Rich, who is Paul Barrie's girlfriend, has a creative writing podcast called "Little Red's Writing Hood" which is found at www.lrwh.us.

Please go check it out today - because one of our own Team Voice members, Kate, is prominently featured. As is myself, Paul Barrie, Mike Hamilton, and all of our goals.

Let me tell you something: there is nothing in the world more amazing than having a talented writer (Kate) write the most touching piece of poetry you've ever heard - and then having an equally amazing writer and performer, who KNOWS poetry, read it.

Holy cow.

That's all I'm saying.

Holy cow.

Go listen.

More about Vegas tomorrow.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 30 - .58 miles (10 minute warmup - 35 minutes with Christina) (288.1 lbs)

I'VE DONE IT!

I've completed the April 30 days of mileage challenge! Total Milage: 36.545 miles!

I have to say - I really feel like I accomplished something. I ALSO finished April down overall by 3.2 pounds (I was carrying some extra weight from the pizza on Monday, and had a few...ahem...biological helpers along the way! Ewwww! LOL)! Sponsors - expect letters AFTER I'm back from Vegas.

And now we set our sights to MAY.

But first - a small vacation to Las Vegas!

Today I'll tell you my OVERALL plan for May - and the May challenge. As well as a long term plan. Tomorrow before heading to the airport (at 4am) I'll tell you the plan for Vegas, and we'll part until Monday. :)

May's Challenge: much has been made of my runs this month - some short, some longer. But many have commented that the TIME isn't enough. So be it. Part of that has to do with a lack of rest. So in May I will add both. May's challenge - 15 days of 30 minutes or more. I will run/walk for a MINIMUM of 30 minutes at least 50% of this month. The rest will be rest or cross-training. And oh yeah - to make it more interesting - I'm going to try to make SEVEN of 15 runs OUTSIDE. How's that?

Long term plan: I'm really enjoying Marathoning for Mortals and have discussed these plans, as well as my May goal with Christina (who by the way ran me through a gauntlet today - measurements - and then leg press, chest press, stairs, lunges, squat jumps...this woman LOVES abusing my legs! And trust me Christina, I love ya for it!). The training plan in Marathoning I've selected is the 14 week run/walk Half-Marathon plan. This is for people who want to MOSTLY run, but SOMEWHAT walk a half-marathon. However, I'm going to DOUBLE the plan - and do 28 weeks. Repeating each week once before moving onto the next one. It involves a short training session (35-50 minutes) Monday and Thursday. Cross Training Tuesday and Friday. Rest Wednesday and Sunday. And of course - the LONG RUN Saturday. When I get back from Vegas, I'll tell you the Monday that 28 week training will begin on and detail the plan.

If the training is too much for my knees/body - I will default to the walk/run plan.

What are YOUR thoughts? Is this a sound plan? Mike Scopa thinks so. :)

The long runs increase from 2 miles to 10 miles over the course of the training session. And then, the 13.1 mile Half Marathon on January 10th.

I'm really going to do it, aren't I?

HECK YEAH!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 29 - 1.242 miles (20 minutes)

I can't wait for April to end tomorrow.

I'm feeling a bit down, honestly. April has been a challenging month. Granted - I've made HUGE strides towards my goals in terms of ability to run/walk, and I'm learning a ton reading "Marathoning for Mortals" - I'm leaning towards the "walk/run half-marathon training plan" - a 14 week training plan to lead up to the race. I MIGHT try the "run/walk" plan - but I'm not sure yet.

But why am I feeling down, then?

I went over my points yesterday again. I'm having difficulty with eating. And I'm not entirely sure why...

Hold it hold it hold it. JEEZ, Jonathan.

Oh great - another visit from my conscience. What's up Jimminy?

Don't think you can get around my with your jokes, kid. I'm inside you. And you absolutely know why you're having difficulty with food. You're resorting to old habits. You're eating in front of the television at night, and what's worse, because you're exercising, you think it's OKAY. You've steadily gained back about 3-4 pounds this month (depending on when you weigh in), and it's entirely in your control.

Well sure it is - but sometimes it's hard, you know?

No. I don't know. It's NOT hard, really, is it? Compared to the hardships of others? How hard is it to make better choices of what you choose to eat and when? Food is fuel for your body. Do you really want to run this race? Do your really want to be in the best shape of your life like you said yesterday?

Well of course I do, but...

No. No buts. Listen to me, Jonathan: DO YOU WANT THIS?

Yes. Yes I do.

Then accept that you're human. Accept that you can make mistakes like everyone else, and just learn from them and move on. This beating yourself up when you have a stumble is getting a little old. What is it Byron says? Keep moving forward? Well - there you go.

Yeah - but what about Vegas? What about how April's gone?

Simple, kid. April's done tomorrow. Finish strong today and tomorrow. Weigh in on Thursday morning before you shower to head for the airport. Then - enjoy your three days in Vegas. They make REALLY good salads at the TI. Don't go hog-wild. Enjoy the rest. Take the vacation. And come back on Sunday afternoon - recharged. You have NOTHING in your way until Boston in July after that. That's two and a half months to push yourself harder and faster. And THEN you'll be running Harvard Square!

You mean - just forget about McDonald's and Pizza and last nights unscheduled 6 point snack? Just try to make good choices in Vegas? And come back and kick the bejeebers out of May?

Now you're talking, kid. And remember why you're doing this. Remember what got you started.

Yeah - it's for the Make-a-Wish kids. My dreams of running in Disney. My dreams of fitness.

Um...yeah - kinda. Those are all the secondary reasons, Jonathan. What's REALLY behind them?

My dream of having my own family. Seeing them grow and learn and cherishing every moment with them. Extending that time with personal health. Inspiring others.

Making a better me.

That's what you meant, isn't it conscience?

Conscience?

Wow. Guess he was inside me after all.

It's funny - I'm learning so much about myself through this journey - and more than anything - I'm not really bummed. I'm pumped up. I'm excited about how far I've come and how far I'm going. And watch out folks.

The best is yet to come.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 28 - .281 miles (5 minutes - 290.6 pounds)

My good friend Elaine as Professor McGonnogal from Harry Potter. :)

My Desperate Mousewife as Princess Leia....with a pained look of "STOP TAKING MY PICTURE"! :) (Hey Lisa - there are Jedi pictures a few posts back - go check it out)

Originally I thought about not posting my weight today - but waiting until Wednesday when the month ends. But then I realized that I needed to be accountable, even if I'm up a little. The fact is, I peeked yesterday after pizza day. I'm DOWN today from yesterday. This is good. If I continue the trend, I'll end April under 80 pounds lost and with a total net loss.

April's been a rough month foodwise. I've had a steady gain of about 3-4 pounds (about a pound a week) since the beginning. May will START rough with the Vegas trip, but get easier rather quickly.

Exercise has been going great though this month. I gave myself a VERY short warmup run this morning just to rest my legs, which are tired after my weekend of 6+ miles. Tomorrow though I'll do 30 minutes minimum, and Wednesday a workout with Christina. Did I mention Christina is sponsoring me too? Yeah - she's pledging fifty cents per pound of BODY FAT I lose. Cool huh?

And speaking of pledges - check out how much we've raised together! $2400+! That's an astonishing number. I can't even begin to express how that makes me feel. And I'm going to continue to honor your pledges and support by pushing harder and being better in all aspects. The half-marathon will be finished by the BEST ME EVER.

You'll notice some changes around the left side-bar. Please go visit some of the newer blogs I've listed there. They are all my friends, and all Team Voice members. GO TEAM VOICE! :)

I think that's about it for this morning - more tomorrow.

I won't let the fact that I had a small gain on a week where I binged on McDonalds and Pizza take away from the fact that it was my BEST RUNNING WEEK YET. I'm celebrating my successes, and vowing to overcome my shortcomings! Learn from the mistakes, and keep moving forward!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 27 - 2.158 miles (30 minutes)

There's something happening here...

What it is ain't exactly clear...

This is how I feel today. First of all - a confession.

Last night was my sister-in-law's bachelorette party. Amber was gone, so we had MAN night here at the house.

Man night included Pizza. I even went out and got a nice big salad so I'd be fuller.

But I still ate too much Pizza. And felt horrible when I woke up.

BUT.

I had to run. I'm not sure why. But I had to.

I've started "Marathoning for Mortals" and as I read John's books, I realize that there's a subtle change in me. I'm becoming something. Becoming someone. Someone else.

Someone I don't recognize.

A healthy individual. A runner.

Do I still make poor choices at times? Of course - see last night.

But I'm enjoying preparing for this race. I'm enjoying the training. I'm REALLY enjoying the benefits of this lifestyle.

Now - I know my eating has been a little inconsistent the last few weeks - but rest assured, that WILL change, and I will continue to change, grow and evolve.

I had a WONDERFUL talk with my good friends Paul and Tairy last night - and talking to Paul about HIS quest and HIS goals only helps remind me of where I started, and how wonderful it is to have gotten this far.

Do you all realize how truly blessed we are?

And in that vein, I'm also going to strive to be more active in the blogging community - I'm going to post more on others blogs - be better about responding to e-mails - and taking a suggestion from Tairy Rych, I'm also going to write more in my free time. I might even post a poem or short story here and there. Who knows?

Someone recently called me a renaissance man. Perhaps I am. And if not - I'm working on it.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 26 - 2.19 miles OUTSIDE

So here's my friend Todd as Gomez Addams at my birthday party. He seemed a little surprised at the picture being taken. :)

I'm also using a new blog editor this morning for the first time. It's called "Ecto" and allows me to do stuff without having to use Safari.

So I went outside today - and MOSTLY walked - but walked fast, and jogged a little. LOTS of hills on today's course, but I still managed to do 2.19 miles in 33 minutes. The only problem is my calves are a little burning.

Tonight is MAN NIGHT at the homestead. See - the Desperate Mousewife is taking her sister out for her bachlorette party and so I'm having the guys over for a night of rock band and games! Should be fun! We're ordering in pizza, and so I'm going to check on the points and reserve a piece or two, and eat lightly the rest of the day.

So far Ecto is doing well with the blog post, and it was easy to get Todd in here. This could mean a whole new level of blogging goodness. Hmmmmm.....

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 25 - 2.152 miles (30 minutes)

Wow - what a run!

Although let's be fair - part of it was penance.

See - I learned a VALUABLE lesson yesterday. Two, in fact.

The first is that I need to plan AHEAD. Not just today - but tomorrow sometimes. Because if you get stuck on the road without any food for breakfast on your way home after an incredibly long day - you might just resort to old habits - like the golden arches.

Lesson two - I REMEMBER WHY I DON'T EAT MCDONALDS ANYMORE.

Holy cats did I feel sluggish and weak all day long. I didn't eat lunch, and had dinner with Amber, but that breakfast stayed with me all day - weighing me down.

Let's face it - food has been off this month. Exercise is going great - but food is off. So I'm going to be VERY VERY strict with myself until we leave for Vegas (which also is the beginning of May) - and we'll see what I can do with the end of April.

I have to keep remembering that lifelong health and weight loss was what started this - can't sacrifice that for anything. And I won't. Just a few stumbles. But I haven't fallen.

And in fact - I bought another new book last night - another John "the Penguin" book - "Marathoning for Mortals". Can't wait to get into it. :) It's now on my nightstand in the reading pile. :)

Oh - and sorry about no picture today - it's either blogger or Safari. Not sure which, but this weekend I might download Firefox and see if that's better. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 23 - .30 miles plus Christina!

As promised - here's Rachel as little Juno. :)

I haven't logged my milage yet today because I haven't run it yet - I'll do it as my warm up at the gym this morning before my workout with Christina.

Today a lot of things change. Today I really buckle back down on eating and food intake. Today I push harder and longer at my workout. Today I get back on track headed for Main Street.

I know I've been consistent all month - but I feel like I've been using that as an excuse to increase my food intake, and that's no good. The weight has to keep coming off for this plan to work.

And so it shall. Trust me.

Quick update after the gym!

(Here's that update: HOLY CATS! Situps, pushups, lunges, squats, stair climbing, line jumps, bicep curls, shoulder press - Christina is, as I told her, EVIL and AWESOME. Going to try to get in one more workout like this before next Wednesday - maybe this weekend - but the month of a million miles continues!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 22 - .641 miles

A short run again today - can't seem to get into a groove this month. I'm still hitting mileage every day - but can't seem to get a stride going. Really needed sleep last night - so I slept in and only had time for a short run.

Tomorrow, on the other hand, things change.

I realized last night, when Christina called me to verify our appointment for Wednesday, that she's definitely on board and going to push me hard tomorrow and EVERY Wednesday. I think at this point that can only help.

We have until July to push the weight training and get lean and fit. Then the REAL running starts. We'll be doing 3 miles minimum most days - if not more. And a long run on the weekends. Increasing every week.

Blogger is being a poop again today so I can't post a picture of my good friend Rachel who came to my party dressed as Juno. LOL

Anyhoo - time to go to work. This week will be a little odd with my one night away from home (tomorrow night I'm staying in Vancouver WA for work - 8am court date there), but the hotel I'm staying in has a fitness center, so I'll be able to get up and run. 

And then May 1 - I get a short break - not from exercise or diet - but from work - VEGAS baby! :) And this time I'm running the strip WAY harder! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 21 - 1.01 miles (289.9 pounds)

Yes. I was a jedi for my birthday.

You can't see my lightsaber on the other side of my robe - but it's there.

And yes. That's a Lilo and Stitch cake. :)

And that beautiful cake, plus the beautiful Passover dinner I cooked for my parents last night both contributed to my gain of .7 pounds this week. (I hate it when you have heavy food at the END of the week right before weigh-in - then it sticks with you)

Speaking of my parents - I take them to the airport this morning, and it's definately been a wonderful visit, notwithstanding the bittersweet nature of some of it. 

I encourage you all to go visit Rae and check out her YouTube video - GREAT job Rae!

So far - I'm 21 for 21. I'm hoping for a long run tomorrow (didn't happen yesterday - sleeping off the aftereffects of the party. LOL) - and to finish out the month strong! I have an interesting challenge for myself in May that is sure to push me further and faster towards my goal of Main Street.

How are YOUR goals shaping up? (more pictures from the party this week as we go!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 19 - .550 miles

It snowed about six inches here last night.

APRIL 19th. It snowed.

What the heck is going on?

So I decided instead of running outside - I'm going to do a shorter run today and see if the snow burns off and do an outside run tomorrow. If not - a long treadmill session tomorrow. 1 hour probably.

The visit is going well - and I want to thank each and every one of you for your comments yesterday - it really meant a lot to me. More than you realize. 

Tonight is the party! I can't wait to see everyone's costumes! And wait until you see my cake! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 18 - .678 miles

Only time for a short run this morning - but I did it at 5.0mph. So there! 

Yesterday was a bittersweet day. Such high points - gifts, smiles, reunions with my parents (who love the beardless look, by the way). But such emotions running through me all day.

I know 30 is young, and that I'm too young to be contemplating mortality, but sometimes I do anyhow. Couple that with seeing my parents.

They're heroes of mine. In my mind they can do anything - they're some of the smartest, most caring, loving, wonderful people you'll ever meet. But they have serious health problems. They're both vastly overweight. And now in their sixties, both have slowed down incredibly.

These wonderful people who once carried me on their shoulders through WDW parks now need to hold onto my arm to walk up a short ramp and into a restaurant. My mother, who has a stress fracture in her leg, and suffers from fibromyalgia, can barely walk at times. My father, who had open heart surgery several years ago, now has chronic asthma, chronic pneumonia, and a host of other problems, not to mention his rotator cuffs are nearly gone, so he can barely lift his arms past his chest. 

My mother walks with a cane because of the stress fracture, in addition to her chronic pain from fibro, and my father is in such pain from his various maladies, that he's almost constantly feeling the pain. 

As I sat at a wonderful birthday dinner with them, Amber, and my best friend last night, having a nice dessert of bread pudding, I suddenly realized that there was no way my parents would be able to physically come to see me run.

Later, they both confirmed that it broke their hearts, but they didn't think they could, physically. 

I applaud them for continuing to travel and enjoy life as much as they can. It's just so hard for them. And as their son, it's heartbreaking to watch. I wish I could help them more. I wish there were more I can do.

And then I suddenly think about MY children (no - no announcements - don't get excited) - will THEY have to deal with these infirmities from me? Will my heritage and genetics take over?

Or can I conquer my risk factors and take control of my life once and for all? 

I very quickly lost my appetite for bread pudding.

I'm so happy they're here for this weekend - and I adore my parents (how many 30 year olds out there talk to their parents nearly every day?) - as does Amber. And that only makes it harder to hear my father struggle to breath, and watch my mother struggle to move. 

All I can do to help them, is love them. Love them - and LEARN. I can finish this goal - and move onto the next - and keep going strong - keep moving forward - and stay master of my own health.

And so I shall. And with the support of Amber, and you all, I know I can do it. The love I feel from this community and from my friends keeps me going every single day. And you all, every single one of you, has my eternal gratitude.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 17: 1.935 miles

Okay - well first of all - I was GOING to post a picture here of me as an innnnsy binssssy baby!

But Safari is acting up and I can't post pictures at all today. (I'll be adding it later today from work if possible) (note: and here's the handsome little devil himself!)



So - sufficed to say - today I am Thirty.


I want to thank EVERYONE for my birthday wishes, early and on time. :)


This morning I challenged myself to SPEEDWALK for 30 minutes - and did well with it - nearly 2 miles, which means I COULD walk the half if I wanted to. I don't - but I could. :)


My parents are coming into town later today - and we have a nice big dinner tonight planned - with a huge party on Saturday with the gang. Pictures ARE forthcoming (if Safari will work with me! LOL)


Until then, my friends - I'm off to enjoy my birthday!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!